Chennai: A.G. Perarivalan, who was released on remission in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has embarked on a new chapter in his life by enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The 54-year-old donned the black robes on April 27, 2026, and formally joined the bar association on Monday, signalling his intention to practice law at the Madras High Court.
A New Path Forged Through Legal Battles
Perarivalan, who spent over three decades in prison following his conviction in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, stated that his extensive legal battles while incarcerated inspired him to pursue a career in law. He expressed a keen interest in focusing on cases related to the death penalty and human rights, areas that have been profoundly shaped by his personal experiences. Following his release by the Supreme Court on May 18, 2022, Perarivalan completed his LLB degree at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Law College in Bengaluru in 2025 and subsequently passed the All-India Bar Examination the same year.
The Supreme Court had ordered Perarivalan’s release, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, after he had spent 31 years in jail. He was initially arrested in 1991 at the age of 19, allegedly for supplying batteries for an explosive device used in the assassination plot. His conviction and sentence were later commuted from death to life imprisonment.
From Incarceration to Advocacy
The enrolment ceremony saw the presence of esteemed legal figures, including the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, who delivered a special address on ‘Professional Ethics and Etiquette.’ The Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, P.S. Amalraj, and Vice Chairman S. Prabakaran were also in attendance. Advocate C.K. Chandrasekkar moved the enrolment motion, and K. Balu, Chairman of the enrolment committee, administered the oath.
Perarivalan’s journey reflects a remarkable transformation, moving from a life of incarceration to one dedicated to the legal profession. His mother, Arputham Ammal, played a crucial role in his long fight for justice, and her unwavering efforts were instrumental in his eventual release. The Supreme Court’s decision to release him was based on his satisfactory conduct in prison and the significant time he had already served.
The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi occurred on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomber. The subsequent investigation by the CBI identified several individuals as suspects, leading to the conviction of seven people, including Perarivalan, who were accused of aiding and abetting the crime. The legal proceedings have been lengthy and complex, with several appeals and reviews shaping the outcomes for the convicts.
The Chenab Times News Desk